Dental problems among patients with dementia could be reduced by providing preventive dental care around the time of diagnosis, according to new research.
BSMS medical student Anne Sorensen and Robert Emanuel of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust investigated the oral care habits of 51 patients recently diagnosed with dementia.
"We know that dementia can have a major impact on patients' health habits, including diet and teeth cleaning. As their disease progresses, they can have problems with cleaning their teeth, and may also have a more sugary diet in care homes. This means that by the time they may see a dentist, their teeth can be in a very poor condition and difficult to treat," says Ms Sorensen.
The team asked participants whether they were registered with a dentist and if they received preventive dental care.
A promising 41 patients, or 80 percent, were registered or seen regularly by a dentist, with 35 having visited a dentist in the past year. About half of the patients attended regular hygienist sessions.
However, there was little in the way of preventive care. Most patients didn’t receive oral hygiene instruction or diet advice, and were not offered fluoride treatments, particularly fluoride varnishes, which can help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
"I believe it’s important to increase the focus on preventive dental care for patients with dementia, rather than being reactive. If we can help patients develop positive dental habits in the early stages of the disease, this will stand them in good stead for the future," says Ms Sorensen.
The study is published in the British Dental Journal.